§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will indicate the funding available for renal treatment in the west of Scotland in the current year and in 1984–85 and the number of staff and patients respectively; and what discussions he has had with the area health boards in the west of Scotland and the Kidney Patients Association about the level of funding.
§ Mr. John MacKay[pursuant to his reply, 7 May 1985, c. 374]: Renal treatment in the west of Scotland is provided by the Greater Glasgow health board. The board is making £4.6 million available for this service in 1985–86, compared to £4.4 million in 1984–85.
Five consultants, 18 other medical staff and about 100 nurses are currently employed full-time in the treatment of patients suffering from chronic renal failure in the west of Scotland. In addition, other doctors and nurses devote part of their time to this service. In 1984, over 600 patients (including both inpatients and outpatients) were treated.
I have personally discussed the level of resources available for this service with the consultant in charge of the unit, and have had discussions with the president of the Kidney Patients Association. I have also been in correspondence with, and have spoken to, the chairman of Greater Glasgow health board on this subject.